Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Angeliki Maragkaki, Christos Tsompanidis, Kelly Velonia, Thrassyvoulos Manios
Summary: Bioplastics, commonly used for food packaging and carrier bags, can be sent to biogas plants from the separate collection of organic waste. This study focused on the valorization of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) composed of food waste through anaerobic digestion. The addition of PLLA increased biogas production without negative impacts on the operation of reactors in both laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hailin Tian, Xiaonan Wang, Ee Yang Lim, Jonathan T. E. Lee, Alvin W. L. Ee, Jingxin Zhang, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: This study compared the environmental impact of different anaerobic digestion configurations and biogas applications, showing that decentralized AD with biogas as cooking fuel achieved the highest environmental benefit.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
F. Granzotto, C. Aita, D. D. Silveira, F. D. Mayer, S. B. Pujol, J. A. Pinas, R. Hoffmann
Summary: Anaerobic digestion proved to be an efficient method for treating organic wastes from university restaurants, achieving high removal rates of pollutants and producing biogas and digestate for potential use as organic fertilizer.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
C. M. Ajay, Sooraj Mohan, P. Dinesha
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a key waste-to-energy technology that uses kitchen waste as a feedstock to produce energy-rich biogas. Portable biodigesters are emerging as an attractive solution for decentralized biogas production, especially in rural and urban areas. Proper design and feeding of kitchen waste into biogas units can effectively utilize wastes for energy production.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tatiana Izato Assis, Ricardo Franci Goncalves
Summary: This work reviews the valorization of food waste through anaerobic digestion and the optimization strategies. Co-digestion is identified as the main strategy to improve the process. The study provides ideal operating conditions for energy production, guiding the design and operation of reactors.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
David Marin, Lara Mendez, Irene Suero, Israel Diaz, Saul Blanco, Maria Fdz-Polanco, Raul Munoz
Summary: This study aimed to integrate anaerobic digestion of food waste with photosynthetic biogas upgrading to obtain high-quality biomethane and nutrient-rich algal biomass. The results showed that the integration of anaerobic digestion with a high-rate algal pond resulted in efficient biogas production and CO2 removal, as well as effective removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by the algae.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Mohsen Karrabi, Fahime Mosadegh Ranjbar, Bahar Shahnavaz, Saba Seyedi
Summary: Recently, there has been growing interest in using organic or biodegradable wastes, including lignocellulosic wastes (LWs), as renewable energy sources. Anaerobic digestion (AD) of these wastes can mitigate environmental damage and produce biogas and bioenergy, which is particularly valuable in developing countries. However, there are several challenges to overcome, such as waste floating on top of reactors, high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (CNR), complex structure of LWs, and poor degradability due to high lignin content. These challenges can be addressed through methods like mixing in reactors, reducing CNR, balancing inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR), and pretreatments. This study aims to review the literature on AD of LWs, identify existing challenges, and propose strategies to improve bioenergy production from this waste.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ebba Perman, Anna Schnurer, Annika Bjorn, Jan Moestedt
Summary: Optimization of the biogas generation process is crucial for improving degradation and methane yield. In this study, serial digester systems were found to increase methane yield and protein degradation, while reducing the inhibitory effect of high ammonia levels on methane production.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hailin Tian, Miao Yan, Jieyu Zhou, Qinglian Wu, Yong Wei Tiong, Heng Thong Lam, Jingxin Zhang, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: Food waste is a global issue, and anaerobic digestion has been recognized as an effective technology for recovering energy and resources from food waste. This study evaluated a decentralized micro-AD system in a local hawker center in Singapore and found that it could achieve high FW degradation efficiency and biogas production. However, net energy consumption and carbon emissions were observed. By increasing the daily FW loading and improving the biogas engine efficiency, energy self-sufficiency and carbon neutrality can be achieved.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chenxi Jin, Shiqiang Sun, Dianhai Yang, Weijie Sheng, Yadong Ma, Wenzhi He, Guangming Li
Summary: With the implementation of zero-waste city and waste classification in China, there is an urgent need for advanced food waste treatment technology. Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has attracted much attention in China due to its advantages including clean energy production, low carbon emissions, and suitability for large-scale treatment. Chinese policies are conducive to the development and promotion of AD technology for food waste treatment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Endashaw Workie, Vinor Kumar, Amit Bhatnagar, Yiliang He, Yanjun Dai, Yen Wah Tong, Yinghong Peng, Jingxin Zhang, Cunbin Fu
Summary: With the increasing global food waste, the potential for bioenergy production is being explored. This paper reviews the research progress, gaps, and prospects in the process of methane production from food waste. Anaerobic digestion has shown high efficiency in converting food waste to methane. The review also highlights the importance of evaluating weather variations and microphysical properties of the food waste for efficient valorization.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Samatcha Krungkaew, Benedikt Huelsemann, Kanokwan Kingphadung, Busarakorn Mahayothee, Hans Oechsner, Joachim Mueller
Summary: This study investigated the biogas yield from banana trees and fruits at different ripening stages. The pseudostem was found to have the highest energy yield, while the peel of the fruits served as the major energy source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Walter Anaya Menacho, Abdul Md Mazid, Narottam Das
Summary: Research on producing biofuel from food waste using a two-stage digester setup has shown promising results in increasing biogas and methane production, with simulations providing valuable data for future industrial-level biogas research and development.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ning Zhao, Fengqi You
Summary: This study focuses on using waste-to-energy technologies to address the increase in food waste generation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multi-period multi-objective optimization model is proposed to reduce the amount of food waste disposal, with sensitivity analysis identifying electricity price and biogas yield as key factors for economic objectives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Huaping Xiao, Dongqing Zhang, Zhihua Tang, Kai Li, Huafang Guo, Xiaojun Niu, Linzi Yi
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental and economic impacts of different scenarios for food waste and biogas digestate management in Shenzhen, China. The results showed that dry AD coupled with biogas digestate incineration had the best net environmental benefits, reducing 195 kg CO2 per ton of FW, and was the most economically feasible option. Dry AD scenarios exhibited better environmental benefits compared to wet AD, especially in terms of global warming, human toxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, and photochemical ozone creation potential. Incineration was found to be the best post treatment option for biogas digestate.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiyuan Qu, Chengyu Xiao, Endashaw Workie, Jingxin Zhang, Yiliang He, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: The study demonstrated that an Fe anode-assisted bioelectrochemical anaerobic digester can significantly improve methane production performance under high salt stress in food waste. This improvement is achieved by enhancing the gene abundance and enzyme activity of salt-tolerant microbial communities, allowing for better methane metabolism and salt tolerance.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaqi Chen, Pengshuai Zhang, Jingxin Zhang, Yiliang He, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: The study reveals that magnetite-loaded biochar can serve as a potential additive to enhance electron transfer and increase methane production. It enhances the acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathways through accelerating the consumption of short-chain fatty acids and enhancing the activity of enzymes. Additionally, magnetite-loaded biochar promotes direct interspecies electron transfer by increasing the quantity and viability of live microorganisms.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Le Zhang, Dingding Yao, To-Hung Tsui, Kai-Chee Loh, Chi-Hwa Wang, Yanjun Dai, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: A hybrid biological and thermal system was investigated to convert plastic-containing food waste into renewable energy. The results showed that anaerobic digestion and CO2 gasification of the plastic-containing waste produced higher methane and syngas yields compared to pure waste. Addition of biochar further increased methane production due to selective enrichment of certain microbial communities. The system has promising potential for industrial-scale treatment of plastic-containing food waste and recovery of renewable biofuels and bioresources.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Yan, Kang Zhou, Yen Wah Tong, David Tai Leong, Maxim Park Dickieson
Summary: Traditional farming is facing challenges in meeting the needs of a growing population while preserving the environment. A green chemical farming concept, leveraging chemistry and chemical engineering, offers a pathway to efficient and renewable food production.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chixuan Liu, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: Bioprinting is a precise manufacturing technology for customized 3D biological constructs utilizing biomaterials, cells, and sometimes growth factors. However, its translational application is hindered by the lack of efficient techniques for blood vessel fabrications. In this report, an efficient blood vessel bioprinting technique based on interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation was proposed and investigated. This technique demonstrated clear vascular features and the study on peptide sequencing's effect on the biocompatibility of the polyelectrolyte-peptide amphiphile complex is also interesting and relevant for vascular structure fabrication research.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong Wei Tiong, Pooja Sharma, Hailin Tian, To-Hung Tsui, Heng Thong Lam, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a pilot-scale anaerobic digester to treat food waste generated from a hawker centre in an urban area of Singapore. The results showed that the decentralized system had an average specific methane yield of 0.55 +/- 0.04 m3CH4/kgVS, with methane concentrations of 56.6 +/- 2.3%. The energy assessment revealed an average consumption rate of 2.05 +/- 0.57 m3/kW h for power generation. Additionally, the study identified the microbial communities present in the digester during the startup phase, providing new insights into decentralized anaerobic digestion of food waste.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miao Yan, Hailin Tian, Shuang Song, Hugh T. W. Tan, Jonathan T. E. Lee, Jingxin Zhang, Pooja Sharma, Yong Wei Tiong, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: The increasing food waste and excessive use of mineral fertilizers have had harmful effects on soil, water, and air quality. To address this issue, the study investigated the effects of digestate-encapsulated biochar on plant growth, soil characteristics, nutrient leaching, and soil microbiome. The results showed that digestate-encapsulated biochar had positive effects on plants and was the most effective in increasing chlorophyll content, fresh weight, leaf area, and blossom frequency. In terms of soil characteristics and nutrient retention, digestate-encapsulated biochar had the least nutrient leaching compared to other fertilizers and soil additives. Additionally, it improved the soil immune system and promoted the nitrification process while inhibiting denitrification. This study provides valuable insights into the use of digestate-encapsulated biochar as a sustainable fertilizer or soil additive, as well as the management of food waste digestate.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Li, Lanyu Li, Yen Wah Tong, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: Gasification is a sustainable method for treating biomass waste and producing combustible H-2-syngas. The distribution and composition of the generated products depend on the feedstock information and gasification condition. Machine learning models have been used to predict and optimize the gasification process, providing valuable insights for the production of H-2-rich syngas.
GREEN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pooja Sharma, Yong Wei Tiong, Miao Yan, Hailin Tian, Heng Thong Lam, Jingxin Zhang, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of soil amendments and food waste anaerobic digestate on the growth of an ornamental plant. The results showed that the addition of soil amendments along with FWAD significantly improved the growth of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, as indicated by increased chlorophyll content, height, and number of leaves. The microbial community analysis revealed the dominant phyla present in the rhizospheric zone of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. The study suggests that FWAD can be a practical alternative to commercial fertilizer.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pooja Sharma, Sheetal Kishor Parakh, To Hung Tsui, Ambreen Bano, Surendra Pratap Singh, Vijay Pratap Singh, Su Shiung Lam, Ashok Kumar Nadda, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: The generation, recycling, and reuse of food waste (FW) have been discussed, and anaerobic digestion (AD) is proposed as an effective method for converting FW into biogas and bio-fertilizers.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jianrui Liu, Harn Wei Kua, Chi-Hwa Wang, Yen Wah Tong, Jingxin Zhang, Yinghong Peng
Summary: This paper studies the location planning problems of waste-to-energy facilities under uncertainty from an integrated perspective. It develops a multi-criteria decision analysis framework using the extended exergy accounting method to unify multiple criteria into homogeneous terms. The problem is formulated as a two-stage robust waste-to-energy facilities location model using robust optimization and mixed-integer linear programming techniques. A case study on household food waste treatment in Shanghai is used to demonstrate the proposed model. Several valuable insights into municipal solid waste management are revealed through sensitivity analysis.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hangyu Sun, Ziyi Yang, Guangqing Liu, Yi Zhang, Yen Wah Tong, Wen Wang
Summary: This study investigated the dual effects of real tar (RT) and synthetic tar (ST) on anaerobic digestion (AD). A mapping relationship between ST and RT was effectively built through an equivalent method. The Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1) was modified and extended by introducing kinetic parameters of tar, leading to an accurate simulation of methane production. The modified ADM1 could help in understanding the AD system both macroscopically and microscopically.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jiachen Sun, Le Zhang, Kai-Chee Loh
Summary: The pursuit of affordable biofuels requires continuous improvement of utilization strategies, focusing on cost-effective raw materials, accessible bioprocessing, and high-quality products. This study proposes an integrated approach combining synergistic alkali pretreatment and arrested AD, exploring the interaction between initial pH, cell viability/functionality, and VFA production. The results demonstrate the feasibility of combining pretreatment and methanogenesis arrest for cost-effective and scalable biofuels production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Li, Le Zhang, Chunxing Li, Hailin Tian, Jing Ning, Jingxin Zhang, Yen Wah Tong, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: This study utilized ensemble machine learning algorithms to predict and understand the anaerobic digestion (AD) system and developed a reversible design method. The critical factors influencing methane yield and content were identified and the computational results were experimentally validated in a real-world food waste AD process.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengcheng Zhao, Jingang Wang, Liming Sun, Yun Li, Haiting Xia, Wei He
Summary: The production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis is crucial for renewable energy utilization and decarbonization. This research explores the optimal electrode configuration and system design of compactly-assembled industrial electrolyzer. The findings provide valuable insights for industrial application of water electrolysis equipment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
V. Baiju, P. Abhishek, S. Harikrishnan
Summary: Thermally driven adsorption desalination systems (ADS) have gained attention as an eco-friendly solution for water scarcity. However, they face challenges related to low water productivity and scalability. To overcome these challenges, integrating ADS with other desalination technologies can create a small-scale hybrid system. This study proposes integrating ADS with a Thermo Electric Dehumidification (TED) unit to enhance its performance.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
C. X. He, Y. H. Liu, X. Y. Huang, S. B. Wan, Q. Chen, J. Sun, T. S. Zhao
Summary: A decentralized centroid multi-path RC network model is constructed to improve the temperature prediction accuracy compared to traditional RC models. By incorporating multiple heat flow paths and decentralizing thermal capacity, a more accurate prediction is achieved.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chaoying Li, Meng Wang, Nana Li, Di Gu, Chao Yan, Dandan Yuan, Hong Jiang, Baohui Wang, Xirui Wang
Summary: There is an urgent need to shift away from heavy dependence on fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, particularly in the energy-intensive oil refining process. This study presents an innovative concept called the Solar Oil Refinery, which applies solar energy in oil refining. A solar multi-energies-driven hybrid chemical oil refining system that utilizes solar pyrolysis and electrolysis has been developed, significantly improving solar utilization efficiency, cracking rate, and hydrogen yield.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chao Ma, Guanghui Wang, Dingbiao Wang, Xu Peng, Yushen Yang, Xinxin Liu, Chongrui Yang, Jiaheng Chen
Summary: This study proposes a bio-inspired fish-tail wind rotor to improve the wind power efficiency of the traditional Savonius rotor. Through transient simulations and orthogonal experiments, the key factors affecting the performance are identified. A response surface model is constructed to optimize the power coefficient, resulting in an improvement of 9.4% and 6.6% compared to the Savonius rotor.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sina Bahmanziari, Abbas-Ali Zamani
Summary: This paper proposes a new framework for improving electrical energy harvesting from piezoelectric smart tiles through a combination of magnetic plucking, mechanical impact, and mechanical vibration force mechanisms. Experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in energy yield and average energy harvesting time compared to other mechanisms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Nanjiang Dong, Tao Zhang, Rui Wang
Summary: This study establishes a multiobjective mixed-variable configuration optimization model for a comprehensive combined cooling, heating, and power energy system, and proposes an efficient generating operator to optimize this model. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than other state-of-the-art algorithms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ahmed E. Mansy, Eman A. El Desouky, Tarek H. Taha, M. A. Abu-Saied, Hamada El-Gendi, Ranya A. Amer, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study aims to convert office paper waste into bioethanol through a sustainable pathway. The results show that physiochemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of the waste can yield a high glucose concentration. The optimal conditions were determined using the Box-Behnken design, and a blended membrane was used for ethanol purification.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sven Klute, Marcus Budt, Mathias van Beek, Christian Doetsch
Summary: Heat pumps are crucial for decarbonizing heat supply, and steam generating heat pumps have the potential to decarbonize the industrial sector. This paper presents the current state, technical and economic data, and modeling principles of steam generating heat pumps.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Le Zhang, To-Hung Tsui, Yen Wah Tong, Pruk Aggarangsi, Ronghou Liu
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of a current-carrying-coil-based magnetic field in promoting anaerobic digestion of chicken manure. The results show that the applied magnetic field increases methane yield, decreases carbon dioxide production, and reduces the concentration of ammonia nitrogen. Microbial community analysis reveals the enrichment of certain methanogenic genera and enhanced metabolic pathways. Pilot-scale experiments confirm the technical effectiveness of the magnetic field assistance in enhancing anaerobic digestion of chicken manure.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bo Chen, Ruiqing Ma, Yang Zhou, Rui Ma, Wentao Jiang, Fan Yang
Summary: This paper presents an advanced energy management strategy for fuel cell hybrid electric heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on speed planning and energy allocation. By utilizing predictive co-optimization control, this strategy ensures safe inter-vehicle distance and minimizes energy demand. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing fuel cell degradation cost and overall operation cost.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Fabio Fatigati, Roberto Cipollone
Summary: Organic Rankine Cycle-based microcogeneration systems that use solar sources to generate electricity and hot water can help reduce CO2 emissions in residential energy-intensive sectors. The adoption of a recuperative heat exchanger in these systems improves efficiency, reduces thermal power requirements, and saves on electricity costs.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lipeng He, Renwen Liu, Xuejin Liu, Xiaotian Zheng, Limin Zhang, Jieqiong Lin
Summary: This research proposes a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (PEHEH) for low-frequency wave motion and self-sensing wave environment monitoring. The PEHEH shows promising power output and the ability to self-power and self-sense the wave environment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shangling Chu, Yang Liu, Zipeng Xu, Heng Zhang, Haiping Chen, Dan Gao
Summary: This paper studies a distributed energy system integrated with solar and natural gas, analyzes the impact of different parameters on its energy utilization and emissions reduction, and obtains the optimal solution through an optimization algorithm. The results show that compared to traditional separation production systems, this integrated system achieves higher energy utilization and greater reduction in carbon emissions.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qingpu Li, Yaqi Ding, Guangming Chen, Yongmei Xuan, Neng Gao, Nian Li, Xinyue Hao
Summary: This paper proposes and studies a piston-type thermally-driven pump with a structure similar to a linear compressor, aiming to eliminate the high-quality energy consumption of existing pumps and replace mechanical pumps. The coupling mechanism of working fluid flow and element dimension is analyzed based on force analysis, and experimental data analysis is used to determine the pump operation stroke. Theoretical simulation is conducted to analyze the correlation mechanism of the piston assembly. The research shows that the thermally-driven pump can greatly reduce power consumption and has potential for industrial applications.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
